Magnolia Bridal Boutique: A Fresh Take on Bridal Elegance in Kenosha

Magnolia Bridal Boutique is redefining wedding dress shopping in Kenosha by offering a personalized, fashion-forward experience for modern brides. Founded by Emily Sturino, her mother Jenni Zoerner, and sister McKayla Sturino, this boutique combines a carefully curated collection of gowns with attentive, one-on-one service — creating a welcoming space where brides feel confident and celebrated.At just 21 years old, Kenosha native Emily Sturino is already making a meaningful impact in her hometown’s fashion and hospitality scenes. A graduate of Indian Trail High School and the University of Mississippi and an alum of Pi Beta Phi’s Mississippi Beta chapter at Ole Miss, Emily’s journey back home sparked the creation of Magnolia Bridal Boutique—a family business steeped in personal history, community pride, and a passion for bridal fashion.

Emily’s path hasn’t always been clear-cut. After spending years away for college, she felt a powerful pull to return to Kenosha, the city she grew up in and loved. “I always knew I wanted to work in fashion,” Emily explains, “but I wasn’t sure how or where that path would take me.” The inspiration came when her mom, Jenni Zoerner, proposed the idea of opening a bridal boutique together—a nod to Kenosha’s rich history of formalwear and bridal shops that once thrived locally. This family collaboration aimed to rekindle that charm and bring a fresh, modern touch to wedding dress shopping in their community.

Magnolia Bridal Boutique stands out for its carefully curated selection of gowns, blending timeless elegance with contemporary styles sourced from high-end designers celebrated for their quality and unique craftsmanship. Whether brides are seeking classic silhouettes or more fashion-forward designs, Magnolia Bridal offers options that balance beauty and affordability.

But the boutique is about far more than just dresses. Magnolia Bridal is committed to creating a truly elevated, personalized experience. With private, appointment-only consultations, every bride receives full attention in a warm, intimate setting designed to feel both welcoming and sophisticated. From the moment brides walk through the door, they’re embraced by a space that combines the charm of a classic bridal salon with modern boutique elegance—a place where every detail, from the lighting to the seating, is thoughtfully chosen to make the moment special.

Beyond gowns, Magnolia Bridal offers a selection of carefully chosen accessories—veils, jewelry, and headpieces—that complement each dress and help brides complete their unique look. The team recognizes that wedding dress shopping can be both stressful and intimating, so they prioritize making the process joyful and stress-free, but most important, memorable supporting brides every step of the way!

Family is at the heart of Magnolia Bridal. Emily leads promotion and marketing efforts, using social media and community outreach to build the boutique’s presence. Her mom Jenni Zoerner, handles operations and finances behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Emily’s sister McKayla Sturino, serves as the welcoming face at the front of house, connecting with brides before their appointments to make sure their needs are understood and their experiences are as relaxing as possible.

Emily’s background in hospitality—working in restaurants and bars from a young age and helping run Station on 6th—has shaped her commitment to outstanding customer service. “Customer satisfaction is everything,” she says. This ethos is central to Magnolia Bridal, where understanding each bride’s unique style and vision is key. Emily admits one of the biggest surprises has been learning to set aside her own tastes to truly honor the diverse aesthetics of Kenosha’s brides. “It’s been eye-opening and rewarding,” she reflects.

Magnolia Bridal is more than a boutique—it’s a growing hub for community engagement. The team plans to host trunk shows, styling consultations, and bridal workshops that connect brides with trusted local vendors, enriching the wedding journey beyond just the dress. Their focus on accessibility means offering gowns across a range of price points and a wide range of sizes without compromising quality, so every bride feels unique and confident she can find the perfect gown for her budget and style.

For Emily, Magnolia Bridal represents a deep personal connection. The name “Magnolia” itself carries meaning across generations—her mom grew up with a magnolia tree in her backyard that her mom (Emily’s Grandmother) loved, it is a symbol of roots, family, and enduring love. Emily experienced magnolias daily at the University of Mississippi, a constant reminder of the bond she shares with her mother and grandmother.

When Emily isn’t working to build Magnolia Bridal or Station on 6th, she finds peace at a quiet piece of land out west where her grandfather dreamed of building a home. “It’s peaceful and grounding,” she shares. “One day, I hope to make his dream my own.”

Starting a business hasn’t been without challenges. Emily recalls the emotional moment they received their LLC, the official start of turning their dream into reality. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? “It’s scary, but remember why you started. Stay one step ahead and embrace setbacks as part of the journey. Don’t be afraid to share your story—word of mouth is powerful in a community like Kenosha. Most importantly, take a breath when it gets overwhelming I tell myself  “Remember you’ve got this.”

Magnolia Bridal carries an expertly selected range of bridal gowns, showcasing styles that span the spectrum from timeless classics to cutting-edge trends. Whether brides dream of romantic lace, sleek minimalist designs, boho chic, or dramatic ball gowns, Magnolia’s collection features pieces from respected high-end designers who combine craftsmanship with modern elegance. Each gown is chosen not only for its beauty but also for its quality and wearability, ensuring brides look and feel amazing on their big day.

Understanding that a wedding dress is just one part of a bride’s ensemble, Magnolia Bridal offers a carefully curated selection of accessories to complement each gown. From ethereal veils in varying lengths and styles to delicate jewelry and unique headpieces, brides can find the perfect finishing touches all in one place. These accessories are handpicked to coordinate seamlessly with the gowns, enhancing the overall bridal look with sophistication and charm.

Magnolia Bridal takes pride in providing an elevated, private shopping experience. By operating by appointment only, the boutique ensures every bride receives personalized attention in a calm, intimate environment. The bridal stylist works closely with each bride to understand her vision, lifestyle, and budget—guiding her through the collection to find gowns and accessories that truly resonate. This one-on-one approach reduces stress and fosters confidence, transforming dress shopping into a joyful celebration.

Beyond the initial appointment, Magnolia Bridal supports brides with follow-up fittings to ensure every dress fits perfectly. The team offers styling advice tailored to the bride’s personality and wedding theme, creating a cohesive look from head to toe. While Magnolia is currently focusing on dresses and accessories, the boutique plans to soon offer additional services such as trunk shows featuring exclusive designers, bridal workshops, and styling consultations that connect brides with trusted local vendors—from florists to photographers.

The boutique’s interior reflects its philosophy: a blend of classic bridal elegance and modern comfort. Soft lighting, plush seating, and tasteful décor create a welcoming space where brides can relax and truly enjoy the moment. Every detail, from the spacious fitting rooms to the curated music playlist, is thoughtfully chosen to enhance the experience and make brides feel special.

Magnolia Bridal Boutique is deeply invested in the Kenosha community, aiming to make beautiful wedding gowns and expert bridal services accessible to local brides without the hassle of long-distance travel. By offering a diverse range of gowns at multiple price points, Magnolia ensures that brides of all sizes and budgets can find something stunning. The family-owned business frequently engages in community events and collaborates with other local businesses, emphasizing its role as a vibrant, supportive fixture in Kenosha’s wedding scene.

Exciting expansions are on the horizon. Magnolia Bridal will soon host trunk shows, where brides can preview exclusive collections and meet designers. Bridal workshops and events will offer opportunities for brides to connect with wedding vendors, gain styling tips, and celebrate together. These initiatives are designed to enrich the bridal experience and build lasting relationships within the community.

Magnolia Bridal Boutique is more than just a store—it’s a heartfelt tribute to family, community, and the unforgettable moments that come with finding the perfect dress. With Emily Sturino and her family at the helm, this boutique blends tradition and innovation to create a welcoming space where every bride’s unique style and story are honored.

As Magnolia Bridal continues to grow and evolve, it remains deeply committed to making wedding dress shopping personal, joyful, and accessible for all Kenosha brides. Whether you’re just beginning your wedding journey or putting the finishing touches on your look, Magnolia Bridal Boutique is ready to walk alongside you every step of the way helping you find not only a dress but a confident, radiant new chapter.

Magnolia Bridal Boutique • 5134 6th Avenue
• 262-455-7256 • Facebook • Instagram •

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(Big thanks to Emily Sturino for making this interview happen and for all the behind-the-scenes work she does. THANK YOU)